NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Tennessee State University leaders got to hear directly from community members in a call to action to show support.
Tuesday night there was a town hall organized by the Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators at the Pleasant Green Baptist Church on Jefferson Street.
They wanted to tackle the university's financial challenges and plan for the future. It also gave people a chance to speak directly with TSU leaders.
It comes after a warning from state lawmakers about the school's dire financial condition.
Interim leaders say they're working on solutions but also point to chronic underfunding from the state.
TSU Interim President Dwayne Tucker revealed a 5-year plan to get back on track but says a few people can't do it alone.
"When people say what can I do...my #1 focus is do all those things we said we're going to do actually happen and make sure come on is accountable to make it happen. I feel confident we can make that happen," said Tucker.
The interim president added that the university has re-negotiated some contracts to save more money.
Some lawmakers have suggested the school should sell its Avon Williams campus in downtown Nashville, but President Tucker says that's not on the table.
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This is a story I immediately went home and showed my boys - young athletes with big dreams. The Vanderbilt football team's success has stolen the spotlight - what I love about Steve Layman's story is he reveals the individual hardships it took to get there. As Clark Lea says, "we all have scuff marks." This team proves perseverance pays off!
- Carrie Sharp
